About Council #9053
Knights of Columbus: A Legacy of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Since 1882
Thanks to the efforts of venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
From his own experience, McGivney recognized the devastating effect on immigrant families of the premature death of the father and wage earner. Many Catholics were still struggling to assimilate into the American economy so he, with a small group of parishioners, as a mutual aid society, began to provide financial assistance in the event of the men’s deaths to their widows and orphans. The organization developed as a fraternal society. McGivney was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.
The Knights of Columbus was among the first groups to recruit blood donors, with formal efforts dating to 1937 during the Great Depression.
Officers and Directors
SK Kenneth Hidenfelter
Grand Knight
2024-2025
| OCEAN CITY COUNCIL #9053 | 2024-2025 OFFICERS |
|---|---|
| Chaplain, Father and SK Lance Martin | 410-289-0652 |
| Grand Knight, SK Kenneth Hidenfelter | 410-703-2623 |
| Deputy Grand Knight, SK John Sharkey, DGK | 610-329-5651 |
| Chancellor, Chuck Lutz | 410-208-3065 |
| Warden, SK Wayne Straight | 302-988-1683 |
| Recorder, Chris Bean | 301-440-0865 |
| Financial Secretary, SK Dale Shepard | 952-807-3239 |
| Treasurer, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Lecturer, David Dancer | 240-506-7857 |
| Advocate, SK Bill Van Horn | 301-461-3660 |
| Inside Guard, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Outside Guard, SK Richard Fox | 443-966-2200 |
| TRUSTEES | |
| 3 Yr SK Thomas Herwig | 410-960-9019 |
| 2 Yr SK Charles O'Brien | 302-988-1498 |
| 1 Yr SK Deacon Joseph Carraro | 410-250-8237 |
| CONVENTION DELEGATES | |
| SK Kenneth Hidenfelter, GK | 410-703-2623 |
| SK Thomas Herwig, FN, PGK | 410-960-9019 |
| Alt. Delegate, SK Wayne Straight, PGK, PFN | 302-988-1863 |
| Alt. Delegate, | Open |
| Exemplification Team Captain SK John Sharkey, DGK | 610-329-5651 |
| CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS/MANAGERS | |
|---|---|
| Bar Manager, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Bingo, SK Thomas Anderson | 410-641-5752 |
| Charity Committee Chairman, SK Joe Kostelac | 410-250-5665 |
| Faith Director, SK Steve Mastbrook | 302-604-2694 |
| Community Director, SK Thomas Herwig | 410-960-9019 |
| Computer Specialist, John Rubino | 301-938-9239 |
| Family Director, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
| Hall Rental Manager, SK Richard Thomas | 610-304-9773 |
| Kitchen Manager, SK Kevin Hughes | 410-726-8946 |
| Knight Times Editor, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Membership Director, Jack Kelly | 410-258-5663 |
| Life Director, SK Kevin Hughes | 410-726-8956 |
| Program Director, John-Paolo Celozzi | 443-859-7666 |
| Public Relations, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Retention Director, Jack Kelly | 410-258-5663 |
| Sick and Distressed, Chuck Lutz | 410-208-3065 |
| Ways & Means Chair, SK Thomas Foglesong | 240-353-0681 |
| Youth Director, SK Eddie Mardaga | 443-220-5286 |
| Youth Director, SK John Sharkey | 610-329-5651 |
Welcome from the Grand Knight...
My name is Ken Hidenfelter, I am the Grand Knight of Council 9053 Ocean City MD. In the
Knights of Columbus organization, each council has a Grand Knight, similar to a company CEO.
There are thirteen Officers that ensure that we are true to our core values of Charity, Unity, and
Fraternity. I joined the Knights because a friend invited me. It was not just the invitation but what
he said: “as a Knight I would be part of something greater than myself”. As a Catholic man with
a family of three children I was doing all the right things, but something was missing in my
spiritual life. I did not have a group of friends with the same Catholic values and parenting
beliefs. What I found after I became a Knight was a group of men with like values and morals,
who cared about the Church, family, and our country. I met men who had different backgrounds,
age differences, and different family experiences. Looking back, I wished I had joined the
Knights earlier in my life. I would have had a group that would have given me support in
Catholic parenting and marriage. The charitable fundraising activities answered my internal
search of how I can answer Jesus’s call to help those in need and less fortunate then myself.
My charity effort along with the men in the Council is a multiplier in Charity giving. The
fellowship I experience with my fellow Knights is rewarding. As you surf our website, maybe you
will find areas that interest you or fill a need that you have been searching for. It is easy, send a
note to talk to a brother or click on the join button. You will be amazed at the changes that will
happen in your life, God Bless.
Weekly Update from the Grand Knight
5 May 2025
Worthy Brothers,
Let us continue to pray for our Brothers, Lady Knights and families that need our prayers. Also pray for Pope Francis that God has granted Pope Francis his Divine Mercy. Also, that the Holy Spirit guides the Cardinals in their discussion and selecting a Pope that is needed at this time.
I have just returned from the Knights of Columbus Maryland State Convention. I will provide a summary of the 3 days at the May 7 Council Meeting (Officers 5:30, All Brothers 6:30).
I would like to talk to you about your level of participation in your Knights of Columbus organization. We in Council 9053 have a wide range of ages, retirement, full-time and part-time workers. Families with children at home or away at school. When we all joined with a pledge to follow our three tenants: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and for those who became fourth degree – Patriotism. I am fully aware of the demands on your time. If your boss, doctor. or family member asked you to do something, I believe you would make time. We just heard during this Easter Season Jesus’s command to each of us, to go out and proclaim the Good News. Maybe you are like me, I don’t plan on going on a mission trip any time soon, if at all. But you can spread the Good News and the love of Christ through the Knights. So, I ask you, can you give the OC Knights 25 hours this year? That is all I am asking for is 25 hours of your time to the Knights and its Charity, Unity, and Fraternity mission. Maybe you could give 2 hours this year and come to a meeting. How about 3 hours working one of the charity meals that we offer: Seafood nights, community dinners, community breakfast. How about a few hours helping with the spring cleaning at the hall. Maybe 2 hours and bring a friend to one of the meals and introduce him to the Brothers and the Knights organization. How about spending 3 hours working at BINGO while your wife/partner plays BINGO. Maybe you could spend 3 hours on the Membership drive at the parishes. Just look over the Knight Times and maybe you will see an activity or need that could use your gifts and make a difference in someone’s life. You will find that there are a few hours that you can give, and the reward will be fellowship with your Brother Knights. You will also be saying yes to Jesus’s call to spread the Good News.
* Community Dinner, Tuesday 13 May 4:30 – 6:00. Great menu: Beef Tender Loin, baked potato and green beans seafood options and dessert. Check the website flyer.
* Bingo every Friday, come and have some fun. Remember half the proceeds goes to charity.
Vivat Jesus
Ken Hidenfelter Grand Knight
Lord, what can WE do today!
Knights’ motto: Make a difference in someone’s life
Events for May 2025
Communications
The council meeting minutes are not available for viewing on our website at this time.
The Knight Times is not available for viewing on our website at this time.
Friday Night Bingo
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. If 3 or more players would like to sit to gather come early.
Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.
Cost to Play $25.00, one card for every game.
Additional games are $1.00 per card 6 cards for $5.00. There are 26 games. The $1000 Jackpot is the last game. There are pull-tab games from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at $1 per card. There are 50/50 games from 4:30 p.m. through half-time.
Prizes are based on:
numbers of players.
Some on sales, some on ball count.
Average prizes each night are over $2000.
Food offered/available before and at half-time.
Bingo night ends about 9:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.
Next Council Meeting
Wednesday February 5, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.
The next council meeting will take place at the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Hall:
9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Members are encouraged to attend and participate. The agenda and related documents will be available for review via email and the meeting minutes will be available on our website.
Contact Us
We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. Please use the form below to get in touch with us.
Additional Contact Information
If you prefer to contact us directly, you can reach us through the following means:
Location
9901 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD, 21842
Phone
(410) 524-7994
Follow Us
Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference
The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!
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